Vietnam
sightseeing
Saigon Central Post Office is one of the most recognizable colonial buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. Built by the French in the late 1800s, it still functions as a working post office today. The architecture alone draws visitors. Inside, you will find vaulted ceilings, old maps of Saigon painted on the walls, and a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh at the far end.
The post office stands in District 1, right next to Notre Dame Cathedral. Both can be covered in one short walk. Ho Chi Minh City tour packages and Vietnam tour packages almost always include this as a quick stop. Ben Thanh Market is 1.5 kilometers away. Getting here from most District 1 hotels takes under 10 minutes by Grab cab.
French Colonial Origin: The building was designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm and completed in 1891. It was built during French colonial rule as the region's main communication hub. The structure combines Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial architecture in one facade. It is one of the best-preserved colonial buildings remaining in southern Vietnam today.
Surviving Modern History: The post office remained operational throughout the Vietnam War and the reunification in 1975. It was renovated in the 1990s as tourism in Ho Chi Minh City picked up. Today, it serves both locals sending mail and tourists walking through for the architecture and history. Souvenir stalls now line the interior sides of the building.
November to April is the best time. Ho Chi Minh City stays dry, and temperatures sit around 27 to 33 degrees Celsius. Visit between 8 AM and 10 AM on weekdays for fewer crowds. May to October brings heavy afternoon rain, so carry an umbrella if visiting then.
Saigon Central Post Office is in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. A Grab cab from Ben Thanh Market takes 5 minutes and costs around ₹80 to ₹120. Walking from the market takes about 15 minutes. Most District 1 hotels are within a short walk or cab ride from here.
Entry Fee: Free for all visitors
Timings:
Day Wise Timings
Maps & Location
02 Công trường Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Essential Information
Point of Interest for Saigon Central Post Office, Vietnam
Colonial Architecture
The vaulted iron ceiling and tiled floor inside make this one of Vietnam's finest colonial interiors.
Old Saigon Maps
Two large painted maps of Saigon and southern Vietnam from the 1800s cover the main interior walls.
Ho Chi Minh Portrait
A large portrait of Ho Chi Minh hangs at the far end of the main hall facing the entrance.
Working Post Office
You can actually send postcards and letters from here. Staff at the counters handle international mail daily.
Souvenir Stalls Inside
Local vendors sell stamps, postcards, and small crafts along the interior walls at reasonable fixed prices.
Notre Dame Cathedral Nearby
The cathedral stands directly across the square. Both sites together take under one hour to cover comfortably.
Saigon Central Post Office is famous for its French colonial architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm in 1891. It still works as a post office today. The painted maps of old Saigon and the vaulted ceiling are the main draws inside the building.
Yes. Entry is completely free for all visitors. No ticket or booking needed. Walk in directly during opening hours. Souvenir stalls inside charge their own prices, but browsing is free. The post office counters are available for anyone wanting to send mail.
Saigon Central Post Office is in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It stands directly next to Notre Dame Cathedral on Cong Xa Paris Square. Most District 1 hotels are within a short Grab ride. Ben Thanh Market is about 1.5 kilometers away on foot.
Yes. The post office handles both domestic and international mail. Staff at the counters speak basic English and can help with postage. Postcards are available from souvenir stalls inside the building. Sending a postcard internationally costs around ₹50 to ₹100, depending on the destination.
Around 20 to 30 minutes is enough to see the interior, browse the souvenir stalls, and send a postcard. Combine it with Notre Dame Cathedral next door, and you can cover both in under one hour without feeling rushed at all.
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Reviewed: Oct 18, 2025This journey offered a beautiful mix of scenic landscapes and cultural experiences, leaving us with lasting and positive memories.
This journey offered a beautiful mix of scenic landscapes and cultural experiences, leaving us with lasting and positive memories.
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Reviewed: Jan 10, 2026Lantern streets ka colorful vibe aur caves ka natural beauty dekhkar trip ka har moment kaafi enjoyable laga.
Lantern streets ka colorful vibe aur caves ka natural beauty dekhkar trip ka har moment kaafi enjoyable laga.
